But at the panel (held on the SYTYCD stage at CBS Television City) he did offer a friendly dig at the dance competition’s network, Fox. Joining the other producers in talking about the longevity of the show, now in its 10th season, Lythgoe dryly lauded the dance show for “providing Fox with over half of its Emmy nominations this year.” (SYTYCD got 7, including a host nom for Cat Deeley).

Lythgoe was also asked to comment on ABC’s Dancing with the Stars‘ plan to reduce its competition shows from two nights to one. “I didn’t know of that,” he said but called it “a shame” that the actual dancing and the announcement of who’s getting axed will now necessarily be on the same program.

“I won’t lie to you. I hate doing the results,” Lythgoe said. He said fans didn’t like hearing the bad news before the dancing on SYTCD so they moved their own announcements to the end of the show. “It’s horrible,” Lythgoe said, adding of DWTS: “I don’t know why they’ve gone to once a week, but I think it’s a shame.”

Lythgoe was also blunt about what makes a winner on SYTCD: personality, not dance technique. “We are an entertainment show. Dance is a very niche market,” he said. “We need to bring as many people to the party as possible.”

He said celebrity guest judges are often chosen for their “large social following” rather than knowledge of dance. And as for winners, “51 percent is personality on this show,” he said, appearing on the panel with judge Mary Murphy, host Deeley, choreographers and dancers. “ Personality wins over technique. It’s just one of those things we have to deal with on our show.”

17 Comments

They’ve stressed for years now that the top prize is “America’s Favorite Dancer” not “America’s Best Dancer.” They aren’t necessarily mutually exclusive, though.

rob • on Aug 5, 2013 12:03 pm

Every once in awhile a good trainer dancer gets through. Last season Chehon Wespi-Tschopp and Eliana Girard – both were trained ballet dancers.

r0ckmypants • on Aug 5, 2013 12:03 pm

Nigel clearly doesn’t understand the ratings system if he doesn’t know why DWTS was cut by an hour this season.

avid fan • on Aug 5, 2013 12:03 pm

The reason I watch SYTYCD is because of how niche it can be… the show is at its best when it’s the most talented dancers and guest judges who have a solid dance background. Anna Kendrick? Erin Andrews? I want to hear the inside baseball of why a performance worked/didn’t work, not generic statements of “it was so good.” I think watering down the show to bring more viewers is the wrong move, considering it’s not like the ratings have bumped in the last couple of years.

rob • on Aug 5, 2013 12:03 pm

I think they should have two shows. one for trained dancers- Contempo- Tap – Ballet – Ballroom – Modern and a second show for none trained – hip- hop etc. They would each have their own following. Although I have to admit I would only watch the trained dancers

passerby • on Aug 5, 2013 12:03 pm

I have to agree with rob on splitting into two shows, though I personally would watch only the hip hop (and tricking, etc.) one.

There’s a fundamental difference in philosophy between the two camps. One believes there’s a best way or best ways to dance, to pose your body and to execute movements. The other simply does not have objective criteria to judge “best” by; dancers strive to balance between what they love the best (subjective) and what their audience love the best (popularity contest). The first camp should be on a show with professional judges, while the second one needs audience voting.

Jake • on Aug 5, 2013 12:03 pm

Best show on Summer TV. Hope it survives for many more years to come. It puts DWTS to shame. Good dancing. Not absolute top level, but pretty dang good for being a reality tv show. If American Idol’s singing talent level was anywhere near SYTYCD’s dancing talent, it would be a watcheable show.

Long live SYTYCD.

Fool yourself all you want • on Aug 5, 2013 12:03 pm

If SYTYCD was all that you say it is, it would have American Idol type ratings and still be a fall through winter primetime show, rather than summertime filler relegated to one night a week without an elimination show. Apparently, you haven’t seen SYTYCD’s pathetic summer ratings. If this show was on CBS, it would have been cancelled week one.

Jake • on Aug 5, 2013 12:03 pm

You sir, are one brilliant person. Let’s apply this amazing logic to more areas. Let’s see, your logic would indicate that 2 1/2 Men is a better comedy than Seinfeld. McDonald’s is the best place to eat on earth. The Kardashians are more important than Shakespeare. Yes. You’ve cracked it! I renounce my enjoyment of a great television show like SYTYCD. It was terrible all along. No good show has every been canceled early. And ratings are on the rise everywhere else on television except for SYTYCD. You are not only wise, but also up to date on this subject of television ratings.

Bravo, good sir. Bravo.

Clap. Clap. Clap.

Sage • on Aug 5, 2013 12:03 pm

Jake, if you are going to diss “Fool yourself” you are going to have to come up with better material. Yawn.

Jae • on Aug 5, 2013 12:03 pm

It’s a summer show. It would never have huge ratings. Not as many young people are sitting around in the summer as they are in the fall.

tuy can • on Aug 5, 2013 12:03 pm

I am a fan of both DWTS and SYTYCD : for ballroom dances ,DWTS is better than SYTYCD & for contemporary , jazz and broadway , SYTYCD is better than DWTS ; my last comment : the winners of both realty shows were talented people and not people with good personality ./.

This show is great for the summer, but it was MUCH better BEFORE they started catering. I’m no dancer, but I loved that it was niche and focused on DANCE and NOT PERSONALITY (Benji from Season Two notwithstanding).

Cynthia • on Aug 5, 2013 12:03 pm

Would love to see a special during the fall season, maybe with the All-Stars or a Where Are They Now episode, featuring past favorites. I do love that the dancers need to stretch and reach beyond their own styles, but what about tap? Tappers make the move toward other styles, but th either dancers are never challenged to tap.
Might be interesting.

Rachel • on Aug 5, 2013 12:03 pm

Anna Kendrick was on Broadway before. She must have a bit of dance background.

Danna • on Aug 5, 2013 12:03 pm

I love SYTYCD and have been watching it since the first season. What I love is the variety of styles dancers are challenged to accomplish and the open-mindedness of allowing a wide range of styles. They’ve made Hip Hop and Bollywood mainstream. I don’t always like the results, but what a great way to bring attention to new dancers. Can’t say enough about SYTYCD and hope it’s on the air for years to come! Never watch DWTS, so that’s got to say something. SYTYCD isn’t about celebrity – it’s about dance.

old fan • on Aug 5, 2013 12:03 pm

I’ve watched this show since season 1, and the biggest difference in the past two years is the choreography. It’s gotten more sexual, and mostly at the expense of the women. It used to be about grace, technique and control. Now I see a lot more moves where the girl is bending over with her butt up against the guy’s crotch, and the worst is when the guy gives the girl a swat on her butt. It wouldn’t be so bad if it went both ways, but when it’s just the guy giving the girl a swat, it’s not cute, it’s not a dance move, it’s not funny; it’s just offensive and demeaning to women. I hope the producers will see this comment; I would love to write them directly but trying to find a legitimate address is beyond my abilities.